New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals launches delayed Block Offer 2018

New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals has launched the delayed Block Offer 2018 tender for petroleum exploration permits.

The release area is restricted to the onshore Taranaki region, and covers 2,188 square kilometres.

‘The launch of Block Offer 2018 follows consultation with iwi and hapu which has led to an additional engagement condition being added to the bid document,’ said Ilana Miller, National Manager, Petroleum and Minerals.

‘The new condition explicitly requires permit holders to engage with iwi on an ongoing basis, with specific early engagement requirements in relation to activities to be undertaken within 200 metres of areas of significance to iwi.’

The Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Act 2018 gave effect to the Government’s announcement that it would no longer grant offshore petroleum exploration permits, and that the Block Offer process would be restricted to the onshore Taranaki region.

The change in the legislation also prohibits access to conservation land, as part of the Block Offer process, except for minimum impact activities.

The release area does not include any land listed in Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act (including national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries), World Heritage sites, as well as areas of importance to Maori identified in section 3.1 of the Petroleum Programme (such as Mount Taranaki and the Pouakai, Pukeiti and Kaitake Ranges).

Parihaka Pa has also been excluded along with land which is being investigated by the New Plymouth District Council and Taranaki iwi regarding possible wahi tapu sites.

The tender will close on the 28^th August 2019.

Source: Energy-pedia